Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

Paul Holmes — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:05:46 GMT

greg222 wrote:

But you know The Exile newspaper has been shut down (apparently because the authorities didn't like Eduard Limonov's columns) and Ames has left Russia? He wrote a lot of anti-Government articles about that. So I don't see that such criticisms could apply to anything that he's writing now.

I think this one is a pretty good article:

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20080818/ames2

Certainly I don't see any reason to call it trash.

Agree with Xela. He was anti gov't russia and now he is anti gov't USA and georgia. It is almost like it is different person. It was like Dennis Miller who sold out to the Republicans one day. His article is just opinion with little or not quotes or references.
Exile is still going on as website and it is basically review restaurants, strip clubs, music scenes, and such. It has become an expat where to go website.
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If it is too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

Topic Replies: 186

Talk Lounge | RE: need your advice concerning Mordinson.com (Kharkov, Ukraine)

CraneChem — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:04:08 GMT

thanks for posting a link hans, but all i can see there is just a short summary on the top of the page, am i doing smthing wrong??

Topic Replies: 5

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

Xela — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 11:35:31 GMT

I'll give you a good reason to call it trash: It's Russian propaganda written by Mark Ames of all people.

Trying to compare this conflict to Kosovo is proof of the fact this person doesn't have a clue what he is talking about. We don't need to go as far as Kosovo, just take a look at Chechnya and Russia's double standards on the issue.

If Chechnya should not have autonomy, then why should Abkhazia and South Ossetia?

This is the comparison Russians don't want you to talk about.

Topic Replies: 186

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

greg222 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:29:12 GMT

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

Paul Holmes — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 05:03:27 GMT

Ames used to have quality writing, now he seems to have a bias against the west. I found his articles are just Russia journalism.
While he is quick to criticize the west, he is very careful about his words about Russia and its politics.
thenation.com/doc/20080818/ames

Compare
thenation.com/doc/20070625/ames

Look how he wrote before
thenation.com/doc/19991004/taibbli/4
He was willing to write against the gov't if necessary. Maybe he is scared or something. Journalists is not a safe job in Russia.
He was good, but now his articles have the same quality of the English Version of Pravda.
_________________
If it is too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

Topic Replies: 186

Russian Visa Forum | RE: Invitation- when traveling in with Russian friend

greg222 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:28:41 GMT

Yes, you'll still need an invitation in order to get a visa.

Topic Replies: 1

Russian Visa Forum | RE: Planning a Trip to Saratov and nearby town.

greg222 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 02:27:32 GMT

You can try registering at your friend's apartment in Saratov by following the procedure here:

http://blogs.waytorussia.net/item/59

Theoretically, it should be fine. But sometimes outside of the major cities it can be problematic. I have no idea what the situation is in Saratov.

Train tickets - it should be okay to buy them when you arrive. But, of course, it's impossible to say definitely.

Topic Replies: 3

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

greg222 — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:53:48 GMT

Paul Holmes wrote:

Greg, thanks for the link, but if I want to read about brothels and discos, then I will read articles from Mark Ames. He has a nice piece of trash in The Nation.

The link was to a post by the War Nerd. But what was your problem with Mark Ames' articles in The Nation?

Topic Replies: 186

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

gomer — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:35:12 GMT

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4682003.ece

"US navy ship steams into port where Russian troops stationed"

I guess the U.S. Navy ship can use its electronic listening devices on Russian military conversations and the Russian military can use its jamming devices to try to prevent same.

Topic Replies: 186

Russian Visa Forum | Invitation- when traveling in with Russian friend

oc631 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:26:44 GMT

Hello....Is it necessary to get an invitation when traveling into Russia together with a Russian friend and staying at this friend's apartment? I raise the question because WTR says "individuals" traveling to Russia need an invitation.

Thank You

Topic Replies: 1

Trans-Siberian | Accommodation in Perm 9/18/08?

mariflorez — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:25:56 GMT

Hello,

My fiance and I will be traveling on the Trans-Mongolian later this month and looking for a budget accomodation with a private double room in Perm for the night of September 18th. We are very excited to learn about culture and would be very happy to stay in a small hotel or in a homestay with a local resident! Please let me know if you have any suggestions or availability. We have been searching and can only find larger business hotels in Perm.

Thank you!

Topic Replies: 0

Russian Visa Forum | RE: Planning a Trip to Saratov and nearby town.

Cixelsyd — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:17:54 GMT

First, thanks for the information about registration. It seems I should be directing my questions more about that.

Some follow up information about flying from Moscow to Saratov:
(In case someone ever has the same question)
-The airline is called Saravia. Currently they do not provide a way to purchase tickets from their website. Using any flight finding/booking website will encounter a problem when trying to find a flight as well. It appears the only way to charter a flight is to contact them directly.

http://www.saravia.ru/

More Questions about Visa/Registration:
-I'm thinking I should get a Visa Support letter through WTR for Saratov and then register once I'm there, even though I won't be there for the majority of my trip. Good idea bad idea? Or do I have to actually be staying/paying for a hotel there for which I'm supposed to be?

Plan Changes:
-Instead of taking a flight from Moscow to Saratov, I'll be taking a train. Should I worry about trying to purchase a ticket in advance, or is it just as easy to do so when I'm there?

Topic Replies: 3

Transport | RE: how much time should I expect to spend in DME when arriving?

chrisrein — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:11:07 GMT

Hi Filipp,

maybe it was accidentaly,

but a friend of mine arrived at DME last week around 15.45 hours, and at 16.30 hours he was already waiting outside the airport on russian soil. He came in from Dusseldorf and had no problems at all with customs and luggage.

So everything is possible....

Topic Replies: 5

Travel Advice (Practicalities) | RE: Ukraine - Russia border crossings

chrisrein — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:55:41 GMT

For all interested in driving to Russia via Ukraine:

Regarding the border crossing by car Ukraine - Russia:

the road from Kiev towards the northeastern Ukraine is almost completely new and in very good condition.... exept for the last 20 kilometers where the road is not there yet and you have to find another road (through dirtroads etc.) But when you arrive at the border it is not busy....
We took the bordercrossing at the M02 / E101 towards Orël in Russia. On a tuesday evening (around 19.00 hours) it took us 45 minutes to pass the Ukrainian customs and 1.5 hours for the russian part. No problems at all, despite our tourist visum that stated that we would be flying towards Moscow and stay in Moscow for three weeks....
Our car was allowed to stay in Russia for 14 days, I think not longer because I had to cross the box 'Transit' and 'Enter' at the declaration form. The first 100 kilometres of road in Russia where not that great (A142), the M2 is much better (and busier).

Leaving Russia: We were at the Latvian border at Zilupe around 16.00 hours and in 25!!! minutes we were already in the European Union. Incredible!?

When leaving the country we hoped that some of the hotels we had been would have registered us (we were also some nights at private places), and we did not have any difficulties at all at the border. Is it really necessary to stay in a hotel at all for a registration? We did not receive any stamps at the migration form, and were stopped by the police twice (one regular check, once for speeding, which we paid with some roubles) and the police never requested for any kind of registration information. All the were interested in was our Permit for the car to drive in Russia.

In the end it is about 2800 kilometres from Holland to Moscow via Kiev, and 2600 via Zilupe, and the roads in Ukraine are not bad in general.

Topic Replies: 2

Russian People | RE: Who wants to join the army?

Paul Holmes — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:53:08 GMT

bunker6 wrote:

It's always such a fun to read opinions of people who have never seen Army even from close not even speaking inside...

I've seen. Russian Army is no picnic, sure, but it's not a jail too. A lot of young males - wouldn't you expect tough behaviors?
Actually it was fun. I'm missing those years and friends i made there.

And as always when it comes to those crappy videos - if i dye my cat green and show it to you would you think cats are generally green?

Depends on the group you join.
_________________
If it is too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

Topic Replies: 20

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

Paul Holmes — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:52:25 GMT

Problem is that Chechnya had no economy and people who were leading the country were profiting just as much on the misery of the people. They sucking money out of Arabs to spread fundamentalism to other republics and oblasts. Just like Ossetians right now with the Russians and Pakistanis with the Americans.

When the money ran out or they may lost their power , look how many fundamentalists Chechnyan leaders changed to Russia. Many of the people who supported the rebels changed their ways when Russia poured money into this country more than the Arabs.

Ossetia, a place who only really income is counterfeiting and smuggling, is now receiving millions dollars from Russia. Georgia who economy is the worst for any truly independent country in Europe, is now receiving billions of dollars in aid. Price for this aid, the lives of some poor villagers and some soldiers who families did not have enough money to bribe the local physicians.

Greg, thanks for the link, but if I want to read about brothels and discos, then I will read articles from Mark Ames. He has a nice piece of trash in The Nation. Who give a shit about the villagers as long as the Moscow Elite can buy their BMW for their trophy girlfriends.
_________________
If it is too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

Topic Replies: 186

St. Petersburg | RE: guiding for free

bel'chonok — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:13:09 GMT

Mon wrote:

Hey Anne,

This sounds like a wonderful offer! My boyfriend and I (he's 25 and I'm 22, both students) arrive in St Petersburg tomorrow, and would love some insider info! We are both from England, and are would be happy to swop our english skills, for your russian ones!

We'll be in St Petersburg until the 10th, so do drop me a private message or reply on here if you check this forum before then!

Mon

Hello, Mon!
I'm so sorry! I was ill last week
the only variant that I can offer you is to meet on Tuesday (09.09.0 after 6p.m.
If this time is convenient for you I would be very glad to meet you!!!

Meanwhile, do you like St. Petersburg?
what have you already seen here? What's your the most memorable impression?

kind regards,
Ann

Topic Replies: 6

St. Petersburg | RE: guiding for free

bel'chonok — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:59:34 GMT

Boxx wrote:

Hi
I have been in St. Petersburg for 3 days so far. I am from Australia.
I am learning russian everday at a school, but i must say that with my limited skills so far it is quite difficult getting around.
Perhaps you could help?
=Shane

hello!
why not?
For what purpose you need Russian?

Topic Replies: 6

St. Petersburg | RE: guiding for free

bel'chonok — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:56:53 GMT

fernando1980 wrote:

Hi Anne, a very nobal endevour indeed, hope things will go well with you if I come across any one I'll be sure to let them know.
by the way nice to meet you)))

hello Fernando!
nice to meet you too!!!
it would be great if we meet personally one day
meanwhile you may write to my personal email: baa83@yandex.ru
kind regards,
Ann.

Topic Replies: 6

The Rest of Russia | Travel to Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar

Kramoz — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:09:53 GMT

Hi could any give me some advice on how to best spend a couple of days in Rostov, and in Krasnodar. Would welcome suggestions on must sees/experience as well as travel warnings/dangers.

Also, my Russian is pretty rusty and my girlfriend's is non-existant - is it easy to get around and are a number banks/ ATMs available. Thanks for your help/advice.
_________________
....Have passports will travel.....

Topic Replies: 0

Talk Lounge | RE: History

darthvader — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:02:58 GMT

Eh?

Oh history!

Vercingetorix, born around 82 BC, died 46 BC, was chieftain of the Arverni, originating from the Arvernian city of Gergovia and known as the man who led the Gauls in their ultimately unsuccessful war against Roman rule under Julius Caesar.

In 846 AD, the Arab Saracens attacked Rome and looted old St. Peter's Basilica.

etc

Topic Replies: 1

Talk Lounge | RE: Russia and Georgia War

Xela — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:35:49 GMT

Quote:

Ender is grasping at straws and just venting out hate with stats that do not exist. His nationalism has made him unable to see anything and since I have showed that he is full of lies or just too lazy to look up correct information from any site on the internet or book.

I said that Nationalism creates hate, not just Russia, but Chechnya also. After the first war, Chechnya started to kidnap, invade, steal, and many other illegal activities. Most of this was direct at Russia. You can say Russia deserved revenge, but when does this end? They might not have done Apartment bombing or not, but they did enough revenge that majority of Russians could see Chechnyans doing these acts. Majority of Chechnyans wanted peace, but the leaders wanted revenge and Putin wanted revenge also.

It amazes me that a country that was so peaceful with each other is starting to tear at the seems. I was in a city having a discussion with two men in Russia and when one man turned to the other and said you are not Russian, but Tartar, you know nothing about being Russian. I was shocked. Other comments about minorities also.

Arina is ok, but she loves her country, but she listens. It is difficult to see your country get bashed. It is like watching your child do something bad and you try to justify why it is so. Russians and Americans are the most nationalistic people I have ever met. Their love of ones own country makes them blind to see the path they are taking is wrong. If you look at the American policy in South America and Central America under Ronald Reagan, then you visit these places now, Americans not as welcomed as they used to be. We live in a world, not a country. Majority of Americans and Russians have never left their own country and many have not even left their own Oblast or State. But I think your insults of Arina is not called for. Although we disagree, she is still welcomed to my home to have tea as you are also.

Thank you for your kind offer, Paul, but if I were to do something as provocative as share a cup of tea with Arina, I am sure she would think I was trying to get her into bed, so for all our sakes I think I'll give it a miss.

About Chechnya, what did you expect? When Russians go there killing old men and children and raping anything that moves, they can only expect that reaction. Even Kadyrov, now Putin's best buddy; liked nothing more than to personally 'operate' on Russians.

So Russians react by attacking anything that resembles a Chechen in Russia, and then calling this terrorism 'hooliganism', and carry on acting like it's a normal part of life. Most Ossetians are too rural and in some cases too stupid to realise that Russians are not their brothers and more than likely if they were in Russia they would be attacked for looking Caucasian. Same goes for Abkhazians. Welcome to the 'Ossets are Russian nationals' paradox.

This is my big issue with Russia and Russians. I would go so far as to say that if 'ethnic' Russians didn't have such a complex over Caucasians, most people from that region would probably support Russia and would respect Russians as brothers.

I also think you focus too much on the Turks, Paul. Turks talk bad about anyone and everyone, themselves included.

Arina may not be a die-hard Russian nationalist/racist, but she is still supporting the Russian nationalist cause which makes her guilty by association. If she sincerely only loves her country, then perhaps she should be the one making the same points that I am, because this type of attitude is destroying Russia(in both the eyes of the world, and through the reactions of the victims; which is normally to strap themselves with dynamite and blow up as many Russians as they possibly can).
Caucasians will never bow to Russians, and the sooner the Russians realise this, the better for everyone.

If it really is Russia for Russians, then they should get the hell out of Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and start practicing what they preach.

After all, no-one likes a hypocrite.

Topic Replies: 186

Talk Lounge | History

Gleen84 — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:20:42 GMT

Punnathur kotta is located in Kottapadi, a small place near Guruvayoor in Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. This was a palace of a local ruler and now this place is famous for the elephant pound (Anakkotta in local language, literally translated as "Elephant Fort") where the elephants belonging to the Guruvayoor temple are kept. Elephants are trained here for purposes related to temples. The pound currently has about 64 elephants. All of them came here as offerings by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa and the oldest elephant is around 75 years of age. Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) are observed here, as offering to Lord Ganesha.

Punnathur Kotta in Kottapadi is famous for the herd of elephants that live here in service of the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. This Anakotta or elephant pound is very popular with tourists who come here to spend a day with these gentle tuskers. All these elephants belong to the Guruvayoor temple and are trained for temple-related dutues.

The Punnathur Kotta pound currently has around 64 elephants in over 10 acres of land. Many of the elephants here are ritual offerings by devotees of Lord Guruvayurappa. Devotees practice Gajapooja (Worshipping Elephants) and Anayoottu (Feeding Elephants) as an offering to Lord Ganesha. The elephant pound is managed by the Guruvayoor Devaswom and there is a small entrance fee to the pound. Here, you can watch elephants play gleefully in the water, eat the traditional food offered and get trained to perform various duties at the temple. You can also observe sick elephants being treated with traditional herbs and balms. It�s indeed a sight to relish. Children will especially enjoy spending a day in the company of these friendly animals.

The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Guruvayoor (just 3 Km away) also attracts thousands of pilgrims, each year. This temple was built prior to the 16th century and is said to be created by Guru-the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu-the Lord of the Winds. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is renowned for its healing powers. Weddings and 'Annaprasanam' (the first feeding ceremony of child) are commonly held at this temple. Non-hindus are not allowed entry into the Guruvayoor Temple.

According to hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha is a divine elephant. Hence, elephants are considered sacred among hindus. Traditionally, it was considered a status symbol to raise elephants at home. But as families became smaller and less wealthy, it became very difficult to maintain elephants at home. So, these elephants were offered to the temple at Guruvayoor. This tradition soon evolved into the current trend where devotees give elephants as offerings to the Guruvayoor Temple.

Topic Replies: 1

Russian People | RE: Who wants to join the army?

jsrsolution — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:21:23 GMT

It is really a cool place It's always such a fun to read opinions of people who have never seen Army even from close not even speaking inside... similar in Pop Art we see these type of generation

Topic Replies: 20

Talk Lounge | RE: Jokes from the West [6]

jsrsolution — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:08:57 GMT

my aunty has a pet and its a shitzu. its really well trained and is a really well behaved dog, except for one thing.

whenever nobodys home she howls and barks all day until my aunty comes home. the neighbours have complained three times and once that happens, the law says she either has to give the dog away or put her down.

my aunty asked if i wanted her and my mum said i could as long as i coud stop the howling and barking when nobodys home. she made a portrait of her pet from the portrait painters.does anyone have any ideas how to do this?? any reply would be greatly appreciated. she really is a great little dog and i would love to have her.

thanks
cheekychick

Topic Replies: 15